Turkish Miles & Smiles
Transfer partners: Citi, Capital One, Bilt
Why it matters: Turkish has one of the most generous Star Alliance award charts. Flights that cost 88,000 United miles might cost 45,000 Turkish miles.
Best uses:
- US domestic on United (7,500 miles)
- Business class to Europe (45,000 miles one-way)
- Star Alliance partners at fixed rates
Catch: Website can be glitchy. Phone bookings sometimes necessary.
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Transfer partners: Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One
Why it matters: Monthly promo awards offer 25-50% off to specific destinations. Dynamic pricing can also work in your favor on off-peak dates.
Best uses:
- Promo awards to Europe (as low as 12,500 miles one-way)
- Delta flights without Delta's dynamic pricing
- SkyTeam partner bookings
Catch: Prices fluctuate. Promo destinations change monthly.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Transfer partners: Amex, Chase, Capital One, Bilt
Why it matters: The ANA sweet spot is legendary. Also useful for Delta bookings without SkyMiles dynamic pricing.
Best uses:
- ANA business/first to Japan (55,000-60,000 RT in business)
- Delta premium cabin flights
- Virgin Atlantic's own flights to London
Catch: ANA availability requires patience. Fees can be high on Virgin's own flights.
Avianca LifeMiles
Transfer partners: Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi
Why it matters: No fuel surcharges on Star Alliance awards. Competitive pricing especially for premium cabins.
Best uses:
- Lufthansa first class without $600 in fees
- Star Alliance business class globally
- Mixed-cabin itineraries
Catch: Website can be difficult. Customer service varies.
Alaska Mileage Plan
Transfer partners: Marriott only (not great), but earnable via Alaska card
Why it matters: Unique partner chart with excellent rates on Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas.
Best uses:
- Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong (50,000 one-way business)
- Japan Airlines first class (70,000 one-way)
- Qantas flights to Australia
Catch: No major transferable points partner. Need Alaska card or buy miles during promos.
For any route, check at least 3-4 programs. The same flight can have dramatically different prices. Optimizers develop the habit of always comparing.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish offers some of the best Star Alliance pricing
- Flying Blue promos provide exceptional value monthly
- Virgin Atlantic unlocks the ANA sweet spot
- Avianca eliminates fuel surcharges on Star Alliance
- Alaska has unique partner sweet spots worth knowing